Ravens wake up in time to stun Chargers

Nov 25, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens receiver Torrey Smith (83) is defended by San Diego Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer (23) on a 31-yard reception in overtime at Qualcomm Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Chargers 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

The Baltimore Ravens played bad offensively for 52 minutes Sunday.  Luckily they made the last 8 minutes count as Ray Rice and Joe Flacco marched the team down the field and stunned the San Diego Chargers by tying the game in the closing seconds on a Justin Tucker 38 yard field goal.

Moments earlier, with less than two minutes left in the game, and 4th and 29  from the Ravens 37 yard line; Ray Rice caught a dump-off pass over the middle and scampered for exactly 29 yards to get the first down.  It was one of the single greatest plays in Ravens history and the momentum changer that sunk the Chargers spirits for sure.  This game, like so many other road games the Ravens have played this season, was too close for too long, but the Ravens found a way to win (as usual).

Baltimore now holds a three game lead in the AFC North with five games left to play.  The Ravens can clinch the AFC North with a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday coupled with a Cincinnati Bengals loss.  Even though winning the division seems inevitable, they need to keep winning to stay in control of the #2 seed in the AFC and get a much needed bye in the first round of the playoffs.